A DOZEN builders working on a Salisbury school are facing Christmas with no pay and the threat of losing their jobs after the firm running the project went bust this month.

Bristol firm ERH Construction was overseeing building work at Pembroke Park School in Devizes Road, but went into administration owing subcontractor JDM Groundworks almost £180,000.

JDM employ four local workmen and use local suppliers, along with its own travelling staff.

Boss Simon Morris said: “I’m extremely stressed out. I have got suppliers to pay, staff to pay, the company has got to survive.

“There’s no good time of year for this to happen but around the corner we have got Christmas.”

He said despite several calls and emails, Wiltshire Council had “not even had the courtesy of explaining the way forward”.

He claimed Wiltshire had not paid ERH and still held the money for the project.

Simon said his offer to take over the build had been dismissed as the council’s procurement process was “too complicated”.

“Our company simply cannot allow others to take over the project,”

he said, adding that everything bought and installed on site remained property of JDM until paid for.

The project is now at a standstill, with works scheduled for October half term having to wait until February.

“We feel Wiltshire Council are being very unreasonable and currently putting our company, many local suppliers and our staff under huge financial pressure,” Simon said, adding that unless his firm was paid very soon, there was “absolutely no doubt” it would be liquidated, also causing other companies to fail.

“There can be no reason why Wiltshire Council cannot pay our company what we are due.”

The council said it was working hard to ensure the work was completed as soon as possible to avoid disruption to pupils.

“Any companies and individuals affected by ERH Construction going into administration must deal directly with the administrator,”

a spokesman said.

“While the situation is very unfortunate the council is not able to pay any sub-contractors directly, and we don't hold any of the money allocated for this project.”